Likely Penalties for Special Range Drink Driving
The offence of Special Range PCA is committed by a special category driver who drives a motor vehicle on a public road with a blood alcohol concentration above .02 and below .05.
Special Range Driver:
- A person who is the holder of either a learner or provisional licence; or
- A person who does not hold a licence because:
-
- The person’s drivers licence is suspended or has been cancelled
- The person has been disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver licence; or
- The person’s application for a driver licence has been refused
- The person has never obtained a driver licence, or
- A person who has no authority to drive that motor vehicle in New South Wales
What Penalty am I Likely to Receive in my Special Range Drink Driving Offence?
Fortunately, NSW Courts when sentencing offenders for Special Range Drink Driving Offences take into account your unique circumstances (including your character, driving record and need for a licence) as well as the unique circumstances surrounding the offence. In other States, offenders are treated like a number - everyone receiving the same penalty irrespective of their personal circumstances.
This means the penalty you will receive at Court cannot precisely be predicted. However, the information on this page will give you a good idea of the range of penalties the court can impose. If you would like more personalised advice, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and we will give you our expert advice free of charge.Maximum Penalties for Special Range Drink Driving
First major offence committed in NSW within the last 5 years
- Maximum fine of $1100
Second or subsequent major offence committed in NSW within the last 5 years
- Maximum fine of $2200
Automatic and Minimum Periods of Disqualification
In all Special Range Drink Driving offences the court has the discretion not to record a conviction against you. If the court decides not to record a conviction, you will not be disqualified from driving or have to pay a fine. If the court does convict you the following penalties apply:
First major offence committed in NSW within the last 5 years
- The minimum disqualification period is 3 months.
- The automatic disqualification period is 6 months.
Second or subsequent major offence committed in NSW within the last 5 years
- The minimum disqualification period is 6 months.
- The automatic disqualification period is 12 months.
Sentencing Statistics
Penalty Types for all Special Category Drivers with Special Range PCA (2543 cases):
Disqualification Periods for Special Category Drivers with Special Range PCA (1918 cases):
